牢固

• Pinyin: láo gù
• Hanzi breakdown: 牢 = 宀 (roof) + 牛 (cow) — pen/prison/firm; 固 = 囗 (enclosure) + 古 (ancient) — solid

Meaning

Firm; solid; secure. Strong and unlikely to break or fail.

Describes physical sturdiness or abstract solidity (relationships, foundations, knowledge). Emphasizes reliability and durability over time.

Examples

1. 这座桥的结构非常牢固。 The structure of this bridge is very solid.
2. 他们的友谊经受住了考验，十分牢固。 Their friendship has stood the test of time and is very firm.
3. 要牢固掌握基础知识。 You need to firmly grasp the basic knowledge.

Usage Guide

Context: construction, relationships, learning

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 基础打得牢固很重要。(It's important to build a solid foundation.)
• 牢固树立正确的观念。(Firmly establish the correct concepts.)

Don't Say

• 用牢固形容灵活的事物。(牢固 implies inflexibility — don't use for things meant to be flexible)

Origin & History

Compound of 牢 (prison/firm) + 固 (solid). 牢 originally meant animal pen, implying secure enclosure.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal